Drought Not Beyond Gov't Capacity

By Girmachew Gashaw

There is no need to establish national task force and organize fund-raising events. This does not mean that citizens are not allowed to assist fellow citizens in whatever way they choose.

Government Communication Affairs Office Head Getachew Reda yesterday briefed journalists on drought and current affairs focusing on the ongoing government's efforts.

He responding to the drought, the government has been taking actions using own capacity. But this does not mean that investors and development partners such as FAO have been participating in providing assistance to citizens affected by the drought.

"Humanitarian organizations are expected to work jointly with the government. We are carrying out various activities to work with them. In practice, these organizations have pledged to provide assistance which is good step forward. But they have their own limitations in fulfilling their pledges. Therefore, the government has been providing assistance importing food grain."

In areas affected by the drought, the government has been reaching the victims. This time, the drought has been affecting sizable areas of the country. Accordingly, the number may increase or decrease which would be confirmed by assessment we make. Noting that the problem is not beyond the government's capacity, Getachew said that humanitarian organizations response is at the same time necessary to reach out those seriously affected states like Somali.

According to him, there is no need to establish national task force and organize fund-raising events. This does not mean that citizens are not allowed to assist fellow citizens in whatever way they choose.

"We are now preparing to import grain for the cause. Though there is logistics problem, to transport from ports to the hinterland, the government has been employing various mechanisms to reach out drought victims. We have been purchasing crops from abroad in away that does not impact the national economy. We can use additional port to transport assistance from abroad,"Getachew said.

Source: AllAfrica